KOTA BHARU 19 April – The USM Doctors’ Alumni Welfare and Education Fund (PADU) is only able to assist approximately 40 poor patients out of the roughly 400 patients who require help each year.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Tan Sri Ani Arope said that the assistance for now is limited to patients at the Raja Perempuan Zainab 11 Hospital (HRPZ 11) and the Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) Hospital here.

He added that in view of the fact limited amount of contributions received, the management of the fund has to ensure that only those who truly qualify and those who are in desperate need receive aid.

“Those who receive aid include cancer patients, stroke patients, those with fractures and children suffering from epilepsy,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the PADU Presentation Ceremony at the School of Dentistry, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today. A total of 27 patients, that is, 16 from HRPZ 11 and 11 more from HUSM received aid in the form of equipment including wheelchairs, beds, spectacles, feeding tubes, inhalers, body jackets and hearing aids.

According to Ani, there are currently 2 802 members in PADU, comprising doctors who graduated from USM and who are now working throughout Malaysia.

“In extending these community services, PADU set up a Fund in 2001 and has received contributions amounting to RM 500 000,” he said. He added that 70 percent of the funds is spent on helping poor patients.

He added that there is approximately RM 20 000 remaining in the Fund, but that the number of patients needing aid is increasing steadily.

“So, we are hoping that all parties will contribute towards this fund so that we can continue to help purchase equipment for patients who need them.

He also mentioned that all contributions are tax-exempted by the Inland Revenue Board.